The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia (AUC) is encouraging church members to make a submission to the Australian Government’s inquiry into religious freedom.
An expert panel, chaired by former Attorney-General Philip Ruddock, has been appointed to examine whether Australian law adequately protects the human right to freedom of religion.
Public submissions are being accepted until February 14, 2018.
The AUC is preparing its own submission but is also urging church members to have their say.
AUC secretary Pastor Michael Worker said it is particularly important for those who have had their freedom of religion or freedom of speech contravened to share their stories.
“The key message we are receiving is that many in government do not see that religious freedom is an issue in Australia. Therefore, they need to hear real life stories about breaches to freedom of religion in this country to demonstrate the problem,” Pastor Worker said.
“There are two ways to share your story. Firstly—and this will have the greatest impact—I would encourage you to prepare a brief summary of the problem, the issues you faced, and what that meant to your life, study and work and make the submission yourself. The submission could be as brief as one page. Secondly, your story could be written up and sent through to me for inclusion with the AUC submission. I would need these stories no later than February 11.”
* To make a submission and for more information about the review: https://pmc.gov.au/domestic-policy/religious-freedom-review
* For a helpful list of key points in making a submission: http://www.marriagealliance.com.au/act_now_to_protect_religious_freedom
* To send your story to Pastor Worker: MichaelWorker@adventist.org.au
